Question about MRSA

AlishaMay

In 2005 I had an MRSA infection in my leg that they are calling spontaneous, because they can't find a reason why I got it - ie no breaks or incisions in the skin.  I was in the hospital for several days and it did culture positive for MRSA, but cleared up with IV antibiotics as well as oral antibiotics afterward at home.

I haven't had a another MRSA infection since them, but have never been tested to see if I am a carrier.  Now that I have my c-section scheduled, my OB did a nasal swab today to test to see if I'm a carrier, and she will also repeat at my next appointment.  She said that as long as I have 2 negative results they will proceed as normal with extra precaution.  However if I do have even 1 positive result then I will need to be in isolation after the cs as will the babies, and there will be many other safe guards in place as well because of the risk.

My question is, has anyone else experienced anything like this?  Even if you had a vaginal delivery, what is your experience with MRSA?

cannoli19

Hmm.  Interesting.  I tested positive for MRSA about a year and a half ago...also in my leg.  Actually, the ER never told me...they forgot to call with the results, so I didn't find out until a year later.  I don't think about it much...certainly didn't think to tell my MFM!!  I am curious to see what everyone else says.

 GL with your tests...I hope all goes well and you have 2 negatives! 

Proulx2B

I have never had a MRSA infection buy my daughter has had one.  We don't know what caused it and she did not have to be hospitalized (thank god).  But now I wonder if I could be a carrier and have given it to her...Is this possible?

AlishaMay

Proulx2B:

I have never had a MRSA infection buy my daughter has had one.  We don't know what caused it and she did not have to be hospitalized (thank god).  But now I wonder if I could be a carrier and have given it to her...Is this possible?

Oh wow, I bet it was scary to have your little one have it! 

 From what I understand, many people are carriers and just don't know it.  Usually it isn't a problem, unless your immune system is compromised or weakened, allowing the bacteria to attack. 

In my case I'd had a bad head/chest cold at the time, so if I am a carrier this could be an explanation.  But on the other hand, the infectious disease doctors speculated that I could have gotten it from shaving my legs, which I'd done just before the infection appeared, although I hadn't cut myself.  Who knows? 

Anyway, to respond to your question, it may be worth asking your doc about.  The test is really simple and non invasive.  They just swab your nose with a qtip and send it off for a culture.   

ahava2005

I am a MRSA carrier.  My husband is a nurse, so that's how I have it.  Most health care professionals are carriers.

I was on bed rest and when I was hospitalized for bed rest after preterm labor, I was in isolation.  Which was actually pretty sweet, since I was there for two weeks.  I had my own room and people never bothered me except to check on me.

When my girls were born, they were under isolation as well.  Which really just means they had their own room as well and the nurses/docs had to gown up to see them.  Neither I or my husband had to:  just the staff.

It wasn't a big deal. 

AlishaMay

Thanks for sharing your experience, I really appreciate it. 

Of course my doctor made it sound like a bigger deal, but I'm sure that it's more of a hassle as well as a potential liability.

Thanks again, your experience eased my nerves.